What is the Right Age for a Woman to get Pregnant?

Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology - Paras Bliss, Panchkula

Pregnancy and motherhood are beautiful yet crucial phases of a woman’s life. When to become pregnant or start family is a personal decision and may vary with each individual. Nowadays women are becoming more independent and have a career to follow so childbearing age is continuously increasing with time. Still the most secure age for childbearing remains 20-35 years.

Women in their late 30’s and 40’s are more likely to suffer from complications. There is no right time to start a family and each age has it’s unique pros and cons.

The science of the right age to get pregnant:

What is the scientific approach regarding the right age for conception? According to the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG), the chances of conceiving are highest in 20-30 years of age.

20- 24 is the most fertile time but at this age career is going on simultaneously and finances are not very strong. Chances of miscarriage and chromosomal defects are very less. Pregnancy and delivery are smooth. Post pregnancy recovery is fast.

25-29- Pregnancy and delivery are comparatively easy. Post partum weight loss is easier. Conceiving early decreases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers later in life. Parents are more likely to be settled in career and better financially.

Fertility rate is high among the age group20-30 years. The chances of complications, chromosomal abnormality, preterm deliveries and birth defects are minimal. Pregnancy is often physically easier for these women because of good health and adequate muscle mass. Chances of a normal vaginal delivery are also high.

30-34- Fertility in the women starts decreasing as they have fixed number of eggs in the ovary and the number of eggs decreases with advancing age. Eggs are not as good quality as compared to younger women. Older women are more likely to have pre-existing health problems as compared to younger ones. There is increased risk of miscarriages, complicated pregnancy and surgical Risk of Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies increases in the baby. According to ACOG, the risk for miscarriage for women aged 20 to 30 years is between nine and 17 percent; this rate increases sharply from 20 percent at age 35 years to 40 percent at age 40 years and 80 percent at age 45 year.

Chances of getting pregnant after 40’s drops very low and some kind of assistance is needed. Mothers feel very tired, chances of miscarriage are very high. Babies are very low birth weight and with increased chances of Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal defects. But with medical advancements most of these situations can be dealt with effectively giving you a chance of motherhood at advanced age also.

Conclusion

There is no rule book and everything depends on the health and situation of the mother. Motherhood is a fulfilling experience and can be embraced at any age the mother is comfortable at, mentally and emotionally. In the era of such fast paced life, egg freezing for use later on is also an option for the high profile career woman who wants to build a secure world before a family.